Tedesco: We want to play and I see progress, Bernardeschi is a smart player

Domenico Tedesco, the head coach of Bologna, confirmed that his team is gradually evolving both technically and personally, noting that facing Lazio will be a new test for the team ahead of the season's start.

Tedesco said during the press conference: "The biggest pressure is what we put on ourselves. The team is growing in terms of character and ball possession, and we will see tomorrow where we stand. It will be a process of evolving from match to match, but we want to play, and I see progress in this aspect."

The coach spoke about the transfer market, saying: "I am comfortable because I am surrounded by top-level people. The market is not closed yet, and we need to keep our eyes open, as there is still something missing."

Regarding Federico Bernardeschi, who has also been deployed in midfield, Tedesco said: "He is a smart player, adept at playing between the lines and in tight spaces. He has the ability to change the course of the game, possesses good vision, and knows how to make himself a threat. He did that in Florence and Turin, so this role is not new to him."

Regarding Santiago Castro's departure, he clarified: "The attack has changed a lot. With Castro, we had an important understanding, but we knew that the possibility of his departure was there. We found two alternative solutions with Dovbik and Piccoli. Roberto is physically advanced because he completed the entire preparation period, while Artem is progressing gradually. We are happy with both of them."

In concluding his remarks, Tedesco announced Bologna's captains for the new season, with Lorenzo De Silvestri as the first captain, followed by Riccardo Orsolini in second, and Lewis Ferguson as the third captain.